title: Development and characterization of a novel controlled release drug delivery system based on nanostructured lipid carriers gel for meloxicam.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The main objective of the current investigation was to develop nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC) based gel for the enhancement of transdermal absorption of meloxicam (MLX) to achieve local as well as systemic drug action without concurrent gastrointestinal toxicity.
  
  
  METHODS
  NLC gel containing MLX was prepared and characterized for particle size, polydispersity, zeta potential, pH, rheology, entrapment efficiency, occlusion factor, and thermal behavior. In vitro drug release, in vitro skin permeation and deposition studies were carried out using Franz diffusion cells. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) of MLX-NLC gel treated stratum corneum (SC) were undertaken to get an insight into the skin permeation enhancement mechanism of MLX-NLC gel. Toxicity potential of the developed gel formulation was assessed by in vitro hemolysis and histopathological examinations. The rat paw edema test was performed to evaluate the anti-inflammatory activity of MLX-NLC gel.
  
  
  RESULTS
  MLX-NLC gel demonstrated sustained release and enhanced the skin permeation and deposition of meloxicam especially into the dermis in comparison to meloxicam gel (control). MLX-NLC had an impact on the barrier properties of the skin and acted via protein and lipid modifications in the stratum corneum. MLX-NLC gel turned out to be hemocompatible, non-irritant, and non toxic with significant anti-inflammatory activity.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The results suggest that NLC gel could be a promising carrier for the transdermal delivery of meloxicam.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar 143104, India.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Khurana
authors.forename: N K
authors.initials: NK
authors.lastname: Jain
authors.forename: P M S
authors.initials: PM
authors.lastname: Bedi
mesh_terms: D000279:Administration, Cutaneous; D000818:Animals; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D004337:Drug Carriers / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000138:chemical synthesis / Q000737:chemistry / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D004487:Edema / Q000188:drug therapy; D005782:Gels / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D000077239:Meloxicam; D049329:Nanostructures / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000737:chemistry; D010316:Particle Size; D051381:Rats; D012212:Rheology; D012869:Skin Absorption; D013499:Surface Properties; D013843:Thiazines / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000493:pharmacokinetics* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D013844:Thiazoles / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000493:pharmacokinetics* / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D004337:Drug Carriers; D005782:Gels; D013843:Thiazines; D013844:Thiazoles; D000077239:Meloxicam
keywords: Carrageenan induced paw edema model; Controlled release; Hemocompatibility; Meloxicam; Nanostructured lipid carriers; Permeation rate